The Rough Guide to First-Time Asia is a basic guide for planning a trip to the largest continent in the world. Country-by-country descriptions, combined with a wealth of practical information, make this book an excellent resource for the novice traveler.
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Pros
- For each country profiled, the authors present maps and highlights.
- The authors are very honest about the realities of Asian travel.
- The authors suggest itineraries of different lengths for each country they outline.
- The book is compact enough to fit in your suitcase if you plan to tour multiple countries.
Cons
- This book is aimed squarely at budget travelers.
- The authors do not provide lodging or restaurant suggestions.
- Guided tours are mentioned on just two pages, although the authors speak positively about them.
Description
- The Rough Guide to First-Time Asia presents useful and road-tested information on 21 Asian countries.
- The format of the book is somewhat unusual; The destination information is presented first, followed by the resource sections.
- Sidebars from authors and other travelers highlight the best and worst of Asian travel.
- The authors have traveled throughout Asia and offer dozens of tips for planning a successful trip and acclimatizing.
- The book offers sensible advice for the solo traveler, vacationers on a budget, and women traveling in Asia.
Guide Review – Lesley Reader and Lucy Ridout’s Rough Guide to First Time in Asia
The idea of visiting a country where not only can you not speak the language but cannot even read the road signs can be intimidating. With a helpful guide like The Rough Guide to First-Time Asia at hand, you’ll feel more confident planning your trip.
The authors have traveled throughout Asia and share their extensive experience in the pages of this book. The Rough Guide to Asia for the First Time is divided into three sections. Where To Go focuses on each Asian country, featuring maps, popular places to visit, and suggested itineraries for each. “The Big Adventure” includes the practical details you will need to plan a successful trip to Asia, regardless of destination. You will read about travel planning, culture shock, visas, security, and more.
Take note of the dozens of helpful tips, including the lesson on squatting on a toilet. (It is an art form). The third section, “Directory,” consists of page after page of helpful information, from embassy locations to guides and website tips.
Especially useful is the “Travel Topics” section, which offers readers a long list of activities around which they can plan an Asian trip. Interested in diving? Try Indonesia; The authors include several great dive sites here and around the continent. Do you prefer a spiritual experience? You can study yoga or meditation in several different countries. If you want to learn a new skill, volunteer abroad, or hike in the Himalayas, you will find enough information in The Rough Guide to First-Time Asia to get you started.
The Rough Guide to First-Time Asia includes a wealth of cultural information to help you understand and appreciate the countries you visit.
In summary
The Rough Guide to First-Time Asia is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to visit Asia but doesn’t know much about the realities of Asian travel.
